Russia's Pacific Fleet, ground forces begin 11-day joint military drills in country's northeast

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) – The Russian Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday that the Pacific Fleet and ground forces have begun an 11-day joint military exercise in the country's northeast, involving 40 vessels and 20 aircraft.

The ministry said in a statement that the Pacific Fleet has started the deployment of vessels from their bases to the training area, which will last until June 28 in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, Sea of Japan, and Sea of Okhotsk, under the general supervision of Commander of the Pacific Fleet Admiral Viktor Liina.

"At different stages, the sailors will work out anti-submarine operations, organize all types of defense of ship detachments at sea, launch joint missile strikes against ship groupings of a conditional opponent, conduct training to repel air and naval drone attacks, and perform a set of practical combat training exercises," it said.

The ministry noted that long-range anti-submarine aircraft Tu-142mz, Il-38 and Il-38N, Ka-29 and Ka-27 helicopters will take part in the exercise, which will also involve units of the Marine Corps of the Pacific Fleet, combat crews of the coastal missile systems Bal and Bastion.